Vein Obliteration – Synonyms & Principle
synonyms: Sclerotherapy, sclerotherapy, sclerotherapy of spider veins, foam sclerotherapy of varicose veins, sclerotherapy of varicose veins, conservative vein treatment
principle:
Bonding of spider veins or defective veins by introducing a sclerosing agent (usually ethoxysclerol or saline)
is often combined with…
- vein surgery (possible in one session, but also one after the other and complementary)
efficiency
Only a certain length of vein can be treated per puncture. Therefore, a catheter is sometimes inserted through a puncture channel and the affected vein is sealed over a longer distance.
It is not recommended to exceed a certain amount per treatment.
In more severe cases, this may require several treatments until the desired improvement occurs.
Spider veins can be very stubborn in some cases. Often several treatments are necessary.
Since venous insufficiency/tissue weakness is a fundamental problem, follow-up treatments are advisable and should be planned at regular intervals of one to several years.
treatment duration
On average, the sclerotherapy of veins or spider veins takes 15-45 minutes
repetition of the treatment
There is usually a predisposition - therefore a check-up and, if necessary, new treatment should be carried out every few years
Application in which body region
thighs, lower legs, sometimes also the back of the foot
decision-making aids
Essentially, these are fundamental decisionsthat make up the treatment of vein sclerotherapy.
Should I cauterize veins do it at all? – Sometimes it is better not to do something at all.
Good advice highlights all the advantages and disadvantages of a treatment – and thus helps you make the right decision:
However, since in most cases it is primarily a medical problem, and swollen or even open legs are a consequence of long-standing vein problems, the decision to undergo treatment should usually be made with a generous amount of thought.
Extent: Before treatment, an imaging examination of the leg vessels should always be carried out. On the one hand, to get an accurate picture of the situation. On the other hand, to rule out a past or current thrombosis (=blood clot in the vein). We will give you the appropriate referral to a radiologist.
With which Medium should be desolate?
- ethoxysclerol is the classic
- high-percentage table salt is used less often as an alternative (e.g. in case of intolerance to ethoxysclerol - which is very rarely the case)
desolation – or would you rather have surgery?
The achievable effect is usually not far apart. It is always an individual decision between vein sclerotherapy and classic surgery – or even mixed forms
season
We recommend the cold season for sclerotherapy. This also makes logical sense. In winter, the legs are usually covered anyway when wearing long clothing. In summer, the risk of pigment changes increases when sclerotherapy is used.
Therefore, clear recommendation:
Sclerotherapy of varicose veins and spider veins should be performed in late autumn/winter/spring.
What should you have heard/read before undergoing sclerotherapy for varicose veins or spider veins?
Pigment changes: can never be ruled out. Attention – in summer the risk increases
Necrosis: The sclerosing agent deliberately causes irritation in the tissue. If the tissue reacts too strongly, tissue can be damaged. To keep the risk low, we recommend a careful increase in the concentration of the sclerosing agent
Prejudices
Wearing thick compression stockings is crucial for success: not true…
Sclerotherapy – and forever peace with vein problems: Unfortunately, this is usually not true...
facts
Venous sclerotherapy, especially with ethoxysclerol, is a tried and tested and well-tolerated method to improve the vein situation. Wearing compression stockings is not always necessary.
possible side effects/complications
- pigment change
- infection
- bruises
- necrosis
- thrombosis
details Information on possible complications can be found in the information documents
In summary, good preparation (information, explanation, preliminary examinations including visual representation of the vessels), the experience of the surgeon and the right concept are the most important factors for the success of vein sclerotherapy.
You should avoid…
- certain regions such as the ankle region or shin edge (at least special caution is required here and the risk of complications is simply higher)
- Destruction at any cost Sometimes a combination with surgery including an incision in the groin is recommended – here, a precise individual analysis of the findings and discussion of the options is important
anesthesia
is normally not necessary
The following anesthetics are used during surgery:
- twilight sleep
- general anesthesia
- sometimes cross stitch
the treatment
no blood thinners recommended until one week before treatment (always after consultation with the treating and prescribing physicians)
Deadlines must be met in Austria (surgical information and anesthesia information) – this means that there is a waiting period of at least 3-4 weeks from the decision to undergo breast enlargement, but often longer.
THINKING POSITIVELY – helps. It not only prolongs life, but is also always a good first step towards any treatment or operation.
the treatment
Rest for about 1 week in the sense of:
- dirt
- mechanical irritation of the tissue
- heavy sweating
but allowed are:
- walking and moving
- showering and bathing
our preferred technique/recommendation
- precise diagnosis through imaging
- Decision whether surgery is a better alternative
- Sclerotherapy/foam sclerotherapy with the classic Äthosysklerol
Cost
may vary depending on the findings
approx. €200 per treatment for spider veins
approx. €450 for large varicose veins with foam sclerotherapy
reasonable budget
Repetitions should normally be planned.
downtime
In general, no significant restrictions
A long-haul flight is not recommended immediately afterwards
Important to know…
- starting on time makes sense
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